India’s new entry in the Asia Cup squad, Khaleel Ahmed has credited Under-19 and India A coach for the maiden call-up. Khaleel was able to break into the India squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Thus, the southpaw pacer wants to give credit to Rahul Dravid who gave him the confidence to do well at the topmost level. Ahmed said Rahul Dravid transformed him from a nervous starter to a confident bowler.
Furthermore, Khaleel Ahmed wants to follow the footsteps of his idol bowler, Zaheer Khan. Meanwhile, the left-hander could not believe he made the cut into the senior national team.
Dravid is giving confidence to young players
Khaleel Ahmed said while talking to the Hindustan Times, “I am literally shivering right now. I cannot believe that I am part of the Indian team. This is like a dream come true for me. I have been doing well and that has been my focus. Every player wants to represent the country when he starts playing the game and I am no different. But I must thank Dravid sir for being there and turning me around from a nervous starter to a confident bowler”.
Ahmed went on to talk about the influence of Rahul Dravid on his career. Khaleel said the confidence given to him by Dravid helped in shaping his career.
“I cannot thank him enough. When I started off at the U-19 level, I would be nervous to start with and would often make silly mistakes in the process. But under his guidance, I gained in confidence and I can confidently say that he has had a big role in my growth as a cricketer”.
Dravid sir gave me the freedom.
Furthermore, Khaleel Ahmed went on to reveal Rahul Dravid gave him the freedom to play his natural game and told him the best place to learn is out there in the middle.
“The best part with Dravid sir is that he gives you that freedom to go out and express yourself. He would tell me that the best way to learn is in the middle and one should never shy away from trying new things. He has had a huge impact on how my career shaped up.”
Meanwhile, the southpaw pacer wants to follow the footsteps of Zaheer Khan. Ahmed has been a big follower of Zaheer Khan who was one of India’s best fast bowlers.
“I grew up idolizing him and if you ask me, I wish to bowl like him and win India games. Even if I can get close to his achievements for the country, that will be a big feat for me. But I don’t wish to get carried away and want to make steady progress.”
There is one common name that every rising player talks about, in giving them confidence, in helping them grow and it is none other than Rahul Dravid. He has been a perfect gardener who has been able to produce some glittering flowers for the senior national team.